Freshman Year Recruiting Tips/Starting the process

Hi DE:  Good that you are thinking about possibilities of playing in college and steps needed this early on (freshman year). A familiar answer to the question when should one start with the college recruiting process and the answer is "yesterday." Here is a HSBBWEB link on timetable http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/recruiting_tips.htm. Sending questionnaires early on is a good step to show interest; update when things changed.

If your travel team is all going to that camp that's OK. The best camp/showcase that you could attend as a freshman would be one that isn't many $$ but yet can give you measurables - arms strength - velocity from mound if pitcher,across the diamond as MI, and from RF if you are an outfielder. Also a camp/showcase that can give you a certified (third party) 60 yard dash time. Also a showcase that can evaluate your hitting as well (an ideal one is one that gives you feedback). This way early on you'll know where you stand with other 2019's, and where you need to focus on getting better. Then next up is to come up with a plan on how to get there.  Good luck on your recruiting journey! 

You seem to be off to a really good start and of course you've found a great resource here.  As Ripken mentioned, there are general info guidelines here and you can also search past posts regarding any specific recruiting segment or question.

Prioritize good grades as this will put you in the best position to have the most options and obtain the greatest amount of $$ toward college.  It will also set you up for success in college and beyond in many other ways. Among other things, it will help assure you can handle the college workload and stay eligible to play. 

Continue refining your school list as your career interests develop and your skill set becomes more clear.  Continue refining your speed, strength and conditioning programs as your body matures and time allows.  Continue evaluating your travel team situation so that it matches up with your skill set and objectives.  Continue learning about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can focus your improvement efforts in an efficient manner.  Research who the good instructors are in your area and how they may match up with your style and personality.  Work hard, consistently, on being the best player you can be.  Be willing to do your part - find ways to earn some money to pay for some of the things it takes to afford you the opportunity. 

Make sure you don't spend too much time looking that far ahead - enjoy your HS experience.  Not just baseball, but the whole HS experience.  Let it show that you love the game and it is currently an important part of your life but don't let it define who you are.  Have other interests.  Never value your baseball goals over your friends and family.  Be a good person inside and outside of baseball.  Consider... if I had an injury that ended my baseball playing days, what other things are important to me?..  what other things do I enjoy in life?

Always remember why you play the game.  Yeah, playing at the next level would be cool... make V, play in college, go pro, etc., and those are great motivators.  But you play because you love to play, right?  Remember that and enjoy the moment every time you step on the grass.

Well said Cabbagedad, and I would also add not only enjoy your high school playing but concentrate on getting bigger, stronger and faster. Work to improve your skills to where college HC/RC will notice you.

A tip of the cap to you for thinking about this ahead of time.  I still have a document that my oldest son and I created when he was an 8th grader trying out for JV a bunch of years ago.  We tried to get our arms around this, but it is not easy unless you've been through it.  Fast forward a few years and I've been through it 3 times with 3 boys with different ideas about what they want to do with their lives.  It isn't easy, and HSBBWeb can help you alot.

Only about 6% of high school players go on to play baseball for an NCAA college.  It is extremely difficult but your best chances are to find a travel team that plays at a high level as you increase your baseball skills and your academics.   It really is as simple and as complicated as that.  Baseball can open many doors.  Academics can open many doors.  Your challenge is how to make that work together. 

Figure out what is most important to you.  Colleges and college experiences as a student athlete can vary dramatically.  Determine ahead of time what you want to get out of your education and baseball then select the school.

Recruited = Passion + Skill + Exposure + Persistence + Luck

Good luck!

Great comments from the experienced.  I would add, during the off season commit to a strength training program - get stronger and get faster.  Plan to work out during your high school season to maintain the strength you gained in the off season.

Keep asking questions about the recruiting process and good luck.

^^^^+1   My son is early in the process, I have been reading this board for a year.  Biggest take away is 1) coaches want athletes - work out to gain strength and speed!  2) coaches want players - play!  3) the better your grades the better your opportunities

I would add that you need to talk to your guidance counselor.  Not only is there specific paperwork to file if you want to play a sport in college, but not all of your school choices will have the same criteria for admittance.  For example, one of your college choices may require 3 years of a foreign language while your high school only requires 2 years. One of your college choices may require two AP courses, while your High School won't REQUIRE you to take AP courses.

I have heard of silly things like that derailing kids their Senior year when they apply and realize what they have taken in high school doesn't match up with what the college they chose expected all incoming freshman to have had. 

This isn't your guidance counselors first rodeo, use them as a resource to ensure you are on the right track academically.

Excellent points.  Different high schools with different core classes and graduating requirements.

On this note, definitely visit the NCAA Clearinghouse to find the academic requirements for DI and DII eligibility and work with the guidance counselor to develop a plan to make sure the required courses are taken. 

*Note - registering with the NCAA Clearinghouse will not be needed for D3 or JuCo unless you plan to transfer to a DI or DII college.